- All FreeHeat Products have:
- manufacturer's warranty
- Super Quiet operation
- Smart looks
- Remote control
- Wall mounting
- Digital timer
- Sleep mode
- auto swing louvres
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EECA Star Ratings for Heat Pumps
All heat pumps supplied by Freeheat are registered with EECA and have a valid star rating for energy efficiency and energy performance.
Energy fuels our lifestyles, at work and at home, 24 hours a day. The time has come to make smarter energy choices - to get more value from the energy we use, waste less and start building a cleaner, more dependable energy system which makes better use of renewable energy resources. Such sustainable energy technologies and practices can simultaneously encourage economic development, look after the environment and meet our social needs.
To this end, EECA works with others to implement the New Zealand National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, with two key targets of Energy Efficient Products and Energy Rating Labels.
Heat Pump Labels
There are currently two types of heat pump labels - this is because some heat pumps are also sold in Australia, where the labelling has recently been revised. Industry here can use these voluntarily.
One has a side-by-side rating showing heating and cooling performance, as pictured above. The red stars are for heating efficiency and the blue stars are for cooling efficiency.
You may also see some labels with both red and blue stars. Take care when comparing them as the star ratings are dialled back by two stars on the side-by-side label - so a two-star model on this label is equivalent to about a four-star model on the other label.
Understanding the numbers
The heat pump label has two numbers that can tell you more about the heat pump's performance.
- Capacity output - the amount of heating or cooling (kWh) you will get out of the heat pump (at its rated capacity, at 7 ˚C).
- Power input - the amount of electricity the product uses (kWh) to produce the cool or hot air.
You can also use the numbers to calculate a heat pump's heating efficiency, which is known as the Coefficient of Performance (COP), or its cooling efficiency, known as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the ratio, the more efficient it is.
Coefficient of Performance (COP) - the ratio between the heating power input and capacity output. For example, 4.75 divided by 1.64 = 2.90
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) - the ratio between the cooling input and output. For example, 4.45 divided by 1.61 = 2.76
Where to find the label
Energy rating labels are displayed on all new whiteware appliances and heat pumps available for sale in New Zealand.
Checklist for using a heat pump efficiently
Like any heating option, heat pumps give the best energy savings when they are used smartly. You can save hundreds of dollars extra on your power bill a year with a few simple actions:
- Only heat the space you're actually using, shutting doors and curtains to keep the heat in.
- Set the thermostat to a healthy temperature. Aim for a minimum of 18ºC while you are using a space (or 20ºC if you have children, elderly or people who are unwell in the home) and 16ºC in bedrooms overnight.
- Learn to use the timer features. Don't leave your heat pump on all day if you're not there. You can set the unit to turn on half an hour or so before you get home.
- Clean the filter (inside and outside) regularly, as per the manufacturers instructions.
- Avoid using it as an airconditioner when you can. Try opening windows and doors on either side of the house to get a through breeze. Close curtains on hot, sunny days to keep you home cool and shady.
Contact FreeHeat now to learn about the range of energy efficient heat pump systems available.
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